Inherit the Wind

Inherit the Wind is based on a play by the same name, and is a fictionalised account of the 1925 Scopes “Monkey” Trial. Don’t worry, I didn’t know much about this beforehand either. Basically, you have a high school teacher who’s on trial for teaching Darwin’s theory of evolution to his class — which was against the law in Tennessee at the time. Back then, you could only teach creationism. Apparently, when the play was first put on back in 1955, it was seen as direct criticism against McCarthyism.

This movie is set almost exclusively in the courtroom. Two well-renowned lawyers arrive in this small town, and due to the nature of the case, and their reputations, the town gets involved too (mostly on the side of the prosecution). Playing these two men are Spencer Tracy (as Henry Drummond, representing the defendant) and Fredric March (as Matthew Harrison Brady, the prosecutor).

And boy, these are two giants. The far and away best scenes in the movie are those when Drummond has put Brady on the stand, and the two are squaring off on the topic of Darwinism v Creationism. Of course, Drummond’s case isn’t only for Darwinism in itself, but for the mere right to teach the kids both sides.

The supporting cast is good too, even if they sort of fall into the shadows of the two leads. Notably, there’s Gene Kelly as the fast-talking newspaper reporter (based on H. L. Mencken), and he’s a lot of fun to watch.

After seeing the movie, I headed over to Wikipedia to read more about the actual trial this is based on, and it’s fascinating stuff. If you have even a passing interest in it (and I think you will, after you’ve seen this movie), check it out.

All in all, while a little tedious at times, and much too long, this is a good movie which relies a lot on the charisma and gravitas of its two leading men. I recommend it, especially if you feel like a good courtroom drama.